New | Taiwan's ex-premier Lien Chan arrives in Beijing for China's victory over Japan parade, to chagrin of island's politicians
Former KMT chairman 'sees no harm' in attending major military parade this week and aims to promote relations across the Taiwan Strait
Former Kuomintang chairman Lien Chan left for Beijing on Sunday for China's military parade this week to mark Japan's surrender in the second world war, despite strong opposition from Taiwan's politicians, including President Ma Ying-jeou.
Chang Jung-kung, a spokesman for Lien, said the purpose of Lien's trip was mainly to promote cross-strait ties. Lien would also maintain the principle of equality in dealings with the mainland, Chang said.
As Beijing's parade was an international event, Lien saw no harm in attending it, Chang told Taiwan-based Central News Agency on Sunday. Cross-strait peace was key to Taiwan's security, he added.
Beijing insists that communist forces led by Mao Zedong played the key role in defeating Japan, but Taiwan argues that the nationalist KMT did most of the fighting against the Japanese army.
Lien's visit sparked strong opposition among politicians in Taiwan, including President Ma Ying-jeou.
"It's not appropriate," Ma said of Lien's visit on Saturday. "This is the stand of the government of the Republic of China."
Taiwan's Presidential Office said politicians should take into consideration the public's feelings and refrain from attending the parade in Beijing. The island's defence ministry said the historical fact that the war against Japan was led by nationalist KMT forces should not be distorted.